BART warns riders about possible strike

A transit strike looks increasingly likely in the San Francisco Bay Area, as members of the Bay Area Rapid Transit union negotiating team left the bargaining table, BART officials said Sunday night.

“While we do not have official word from the unions about a strike, we must caution riders that a strike may commence after the end of regularly scheduled service today," BART spokesman Rick Rice said in a written statement.

BART carries 400,000 passengers each weekday, and transit officials urged commuters to find alternate ways to get to work if a strike is called for Monday morning. Contracts expire at midnight.

“We have a long way to go, but we can’t get any closer if we aren’t at the table," Rice said. "We reached tentative agreements on 11 items today, and we should use that momentum to reach a deal. Walking away doesn’t do any good."

“We urge riders to go to BART.gov and 511.org to get the latest information on commute alternatives.”